There were no more shouts of joy; men's lungs were no longer strained to the utmost, but their tongues were all the busier.

Caesar was for the most part spoken of with contempt as Tarautas, and with the bitterness--the grandchild of Expectancy-which comes of disappointment.

Tarautas had originally been the name of a stunted but particularly bloodthirsty gladiator, in whom ill-will had traced some resemblance to Caesar.
The more remarkable figures in the imperial train were curiously gazed at and discussed.

A worker in mosaic, who stood near Melissa, had been employed in the decoration of the baths of Caracalla at Rome, and had much information to impart; he even knew the names of several of the senators and courtiers attached to Caesar.

And, with all this, time was found to give vent to discontent.
The town had done its utmost to make itself fine enough to receive the emperor.